Listen & Chat With Chrissy Mack

Join host Michael Lester as he sits down with Yaegl musician Michael Birk to explore his new album, "Ngarraya." Discover the significance of Birk's music and language to his identity and meaning. Dive into the personal stories and struggles reflected in his lyrics, deeply rooted in place and country. Listen in as they discuss songwriting, performance, and record production, and enjoy a few tracks from his latest album. Celebrate the power of music to connect and express profound personal and cultural narratives. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

In this episode of the RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Roger Beale AO, former Australian public service departmental head, on the NDIS blowout. Introduced in 2013 by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the National Disability Insurance Scheme was a revolutionary welfare policy based on the right to assistance for those with permanent disabilities. Explore how the scheme has evolved over nearly 15 years, now supporting close to 700,000 people at a cost of $50 billion annually, making it the third largest component of Commonwealth government expenditure. Roger Beale discusses options to manage budgetary costs and ensure the scheme's sustainable future. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the challenges and solutions surrounding this vital program. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

In this RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Thomas Mayo, Torres Strait Islander writer, unionist, human rights advocate, and Uluru Statement signatory. They discuss Mayo’s edited collection Dear Son—letters between Indigenous fathers and sons that challenge toxic stereotypes about masculine identity. The conversation covers how the work has been adapted into a powerful stage play (touring nationally in 2025), the impact of the Voice referendum no vote, and Mayo’s book Always Was, Always Will Be: The Campaign for Justice and Recognition Continues (2024). A thoughtful exploration of Indigenous leadership, reconciliation, and ongoing advocacy for justice and recognition in Australia. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

In this RNB Podcast episode, Michael Lester interviews Jill L'Estrange of the Headland Preservation Group about the proposed divestment sale of HMAS Penguin, the historic waterfront naval facility at Middle Head, Mosman. Explore the community objections, the campaign to keep the site in public hands, and how these decisions intersect with defence budgeting and heritage protection. A thoughtful look at preserving public heritage amid development pressures on Sydney Harbour's Middle Head-Georges Heights precinct. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

In this RNB Podcast, Chrissy Mack interviews producer Jason Blaiklock and composer Anthony MacDermott about the Australian take on the Book of Job. Explore how local producers and a brilliant cast bring this timeless tragedy to life, featuring insights into adaptation, score, and the creative process behind a world-class, homegrown interpretation of Job. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

In this Friday RNB Podcast, Michael Lester talks with NSW Liberal MP James Griffin, former Environment and Heritage Minister and current Shadow Minister for Energy, Climate Change, Digital AI, and Investment. They dissect the Liberal Party’s brand challenges after a historic federal defeat, the plunge in polling, and the rise of new leadership at national and NSW levels. Explore strategies for renewal and regeneration, the path to rebuilding trust, and how party direction might shape Australia’s climate, innovation, and digital futures. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

In this RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Henry Reynolds, Australian of the Year (2015) and distinguished historian of settler-indigenous relations. They discuss Reynolds’ new book, Looking from the North: Australian History from the Top Down (New South Books, 2025), which reframes Australia’s colonisation as two distinct acts—1788 in the southeast under imperial sovereignty and post-1860 expansion in the north under Australian sovereignty. The conversation delves into land settlement, demographic dynamics, and the complex patterns of land ownership, including Indigenous rights to land across a continent where much of the tropical north remains a frontier of development. A thoughtful, provocative exploration of how “top-down” history reshapes national memory and policy. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

Join Chrissy Mack as she interviews Terry Kennedy from Thryv in this must-listen episode. Discover strategies for managing your online reviews and reputation, building business resilience and growth through smarter technology, and unlocking the secret to getting your small business on page one of Google. Learn how to ensure your business is the one chosen by AI. Tune in for valuable insights and tips to enhance your business success. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

In this episode of the RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Max Dagenais, founder and CEO of Heart Safe Australia. Discover how 30,000 Australians suffer sudden cardiac arrest out of hospitals each year, with a staggering 90% dying prematurely. Max discusses the critical steps to saving lives: calling 000, applying CPR, and using a defibrillator. Learn about the importance of community awareness, training, and the availability of defibrillators in reducing fatalities that surpass those from road trauma, cancer, and other causes. Tune in to find out how you can make a difference. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au

In this RNB episode, Michael Lester chats with Deborah Conway, tracing her eventful music career—from the 1980s with Do Re Mi and the hit "Man Overboard," through a vibrant 1990s solo run, to collaborations with her partner Zygier. They discuss the evolution of her craft, her foray into musical theatre with The Book of Life, and her 2025 autobiography. The conversation touches on themes like "Human Sounds" and the tension between human artistry and AI-generated music, as well as Conway's recent projects and the upcoming Manly Writers Festival in March 2026. They also reflect on new material, touring, and Conway's enduring influence in Australian music. Northern Beaches Entertainment

https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au